Jesse's Reviews > Chinese Girl in the Ghetto

I enjoy reading memoirs from people who have come to the US from other countries sharing their experiences. The best part of Ying Ma's book, I'd argue, are her descriptions of life growing up in China in post Mao China. Interesting how she got herself in trouble wearing nail polish to class which was brought in from Hong Kong. Trouble because the other children wanted it too, and parents complained to the teacher that it was something they couldn't get for their children. The fear of assembly is interesting too, her kung fu club being branded a gang!

I found her early experience in the US to be predictable but still embarrassing and disappointing. Something not talked about enough in the US among the various discussions of racism is just how bad it can be for Asians. Asian racism and hate crimes, I know, are drastically underreported and for whatever reason downplayed even in mainstream media.

The book has some shortcomings. One is that her experiences, especially in the US, lacked depth. Felt more like a long essay than a story truly being told, as there were more generalizations than descriptions of experiences. So I suppose my biggest complaint of the book is that it's about half or a third the size I think her story should be. More would be better. A lot better.

Still, it's an interesting, fast read. Doesn't have the chance to ever get boring. I tend to read books quite slowly, and still, I finished in two hours.

I'm aware this book has gained some popularity for its criticism of urban America and especially of certain demographics within urban America. Also popular though for her succeeding in the American dream.

I'd love to read something like this with more depth. The concept of comparing life in China to life as an immigrant in the US is such a good one. This one just goes doesn't give the reader enough.

Killer concept, but just an alright fulfillment of the concept. Worth the read, and a fast reader may be done in an hour. Worth the time for sure. But ultimately lacking in depth for such a cool idea.